Christ for Jews - Preface [Under Print]:

This new book, Christ for the Jews, represents a significant step forward in presenting Jesus to the Jewish community. It is intended to offer an invitation to explore the message of the Gospel in a deeply personal way, grounded in the shared roots of Judaism and Christianity.

The purpose of this book is to engage with the figure of Jesus not only from a historical or theological perspective but also through the lens of personal faith and reflection. Jesus of Nazareth continues to evoke profound questions, inspire hope, and transform lives. For Christians, He is the Messiah—the fulfillment of the prophecies and the bearer of salvation. However, for many within the Jewish community, Jesus often remains distant, viewed through historical, cultural, or theological frameworks that seem separate from the core of Jewish faith and tradition. I hope to help bridge that gap, offering an invitation to consider Jesus in a way that aligns with the rich heritage of Judaism while respecting the unique differences between our faiths.

This book seeks to invite you to reflect on who Jesus is and how His message resonates with the longings for justice, peace, and redemption that are central to the Jewish faith. We will explore themes such as the Davidic covenant, the role of the Suffering Servant, the New Covenant foretold by the prophets, and the nature of the Kingdom of God as proclaimed by Jesus.

Jesus’ life, teachings, death, and resurrection are presented here not as foreign concepts but as a continuation of the Jewish hope for redemption and restoration. Through a careful study of the Hebrew Scriptures alongside the Gospels, we will explore how these two great traditions—the Jewish faith and the Christian understanding of Jesus—intersect, inviting reflection on His role as the promised Messiah.

Throughout these chapters, we maintain a deep respect for the Jewish tradition while presenting the Christian perspective on how Jesus fulfills the Messianic promises. We will delve into the profound connection between the Suffering Servant in Isaiah and the crucifixion of Jesus, the transformative nature of His resurrection, and the call to live a life in alignment with God’s covenant. This book is not an attempt to diminish the rich legacy of the Jewish faith but to present how Christians see Jesus as the culmination of God’s redemptive plan, extending from the heart of Israel’s story.

As you engage with this book, I encourage you to approach it with curiosity and openness. Whether you come from a Jewish background, a Christian perspective, or are simply seeking to understand more about this remarkable figure, may this journey offer fresh insights and a deeper connection to your faith. The call to know Jesus is not merely theological—it is an invitation to experience a relationship with Yahweh, the God of Israel, through Jesus and to explore how Jesus offers a new perspective on the promises of God’s covenant.

Thank you for embarking on this exploration. I hope it opens the door to meaningful dialogue, fosters greater understanding, and serves as a guide for personal reflection on the profound significance of Jesus as both the Jewish Messiah and the Savior of the world.

 

Fr. Abraam Sleman 

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